Tug I think is the best way to bond, but, only if the dog ends up winning after a struggle. and the tug game is played like a hunting game. That is why I use 2 tugs on leashes - my Sting waits on the down/stay -I walk out with the tugs about 25 ft - give the okay and drop one scoot it on the ground - Sting attacks it and I tug -then drop and pick up the other one and so one - he wins at the end and I walk away defeated then turn and praise him. He brings the tugs - gets a treat when he gives them to me and a good rub down. I don't do a lot of tug - once daily as a reward after his obedience session. Turid Rugaas in her book "My Dog Pulls: What do I do" has a method of teaching loose leash walking that is also great for teaching focus and bonding. It teaches the dog to respond to a cue when you want him to focus or follow you. I have used it and had good success with my Sting as he knows that cue means if he turns and comes - follows me - he gets rewarded.

With all 4 of my pups when I first had them and they first were able to explore the outdoors with me, starting with the fenced in backyard, they stuck to me like glue, always in sight. As they slowly started to wander and investigate on their own, I would hide behind a tree, shed or whatever allowed me to "spy" on them without being seen by them. It would be just a matter of time until the pup looked for me and couldn't see me and started to search me out. I'd let them look around for a bit and the moment I sensed they were a bit "concerned" in their search for me, I'd let them off the hook and come out from hiding into view. All of them responded in a similar fashion, they'd come running back to me and of course were greeted with excitement and loving. I always felt it was important from an early age for my dog to keep me in sight or at the very least, an awareness of where I was.

I also believe, getting down to a dog's level can help in the bonding process. Read up on dog postures and what they mean and employ them when the opportunity exists. Humans stand tall over their dogs all too much but when the situation is proper, getting down to the dog's level has a bonding effect in my opinion.

Also, if one chooses, letting the dog up onto your bed at night has it's benefits in the bonding department, perhaps it solidifies the pack mentality to a degree. Of course, this is contingent on the fact that the pup knows WHO's bed it is. At the least, in the beginning, allowing the pup to sleep in the same room wherever it may be, creates a sense of security for the pup. The pup over time will find it's "favorite" place to sleep.

Activities such as gentle grooming and light stroking massages from nose to tail while your pup is relaxed seems to have great benefit. Light gentle strokes from nose to tips of ears to the pads etc. all seems to develop a physical relationship which all benefit from as time passes.

Overall, I have learned over my 4 dogs that the most content dog is the one that truly senses your leadership and comes to rely on you showing them the way and guiding them wonderfully. The more places you can take your dog ( within reason ) the better as well.....I guess it is simply what they call "true companionship".

Good luck and enjoy every minute of their puppyhood as it is a fleeting moment and a time to take full advantage of.

Thanks everyone , I think I'm gonna have to check all this out. I love that video, the bond is perfect. I'm just trying to break the "I forget my name when I see another dog " thing right now ! Leash walking has to be the toughest thing to work with so far !

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